Question: If I am working for a temporary agency, what do I need to do to make sure I can obtain unemployment benefits when the work ends?

Short Answer: Ask for a new assignment right away and wait 3 business days before applying for benefits.

Explanation:

If you are considering working for a temporary help agency, you should know that special rules could affect whether you receive unemployment benefits.

To be eligible for benefits, each time you complete an assignment for a temporary help agency you must:

  • Contact the temporary help agency in the manner it specifies, such as by e-mail, phone, or in person, by the next business day.

  • Give the temporary help agency three business days after your last assignment ends to offer you a new assignment before you apply for benefits.

If your last work is with a temporary help agency, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) cannot pay you benefits, if you apply for benefits before seeking a new assignment and waiting three business days for an assignment.

The rules apply whether you are a full-time or part- time worker for the temporary help agency.

Temporary help agencies are supposed to explain that:

  • You must contact the temporary help agency immediately after the completion of each assignment to receive another assignment; and

  • You may not qualify for unemployment benefits if you do not follow all of the temporary help agency’s procedures.

 
Learn More:
Texas Unemployment Guide